War is often discussed in the language of strategy, deterrence, and national security. Governments and military planners frame conflicts in terms of victory, tactical advantage, or geopolitical influence. Yet beyond these calculations lies a far more painful reality: war is destruction. It destroys lives, livelihoods, economies, and the fragile systems that sustain societies. It deepens […]
The True Cost of War
As tensions between India and Pakistan erupted once again this May, we were reminded – not for the first time – of the dangerously thin line separating nationalism from nihilism. Over the course of a week, the region stood on the precipice of catastrophe, while civilians paid the price – in blood, bread, and bankruptcy. […]
A Lifeline under Threat
In a world grappling with escalating climate crises, few regions are as precariously poised at the edge of environmental and human catastrophe as South Asia. Among the most critical threads binding India and Pakistan – two nuclear-armed neighbours with a long and complicated history – is water. Specifically, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 […]
Breaking the Silence
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a dark shadow that looms over Pakistan, deeply rooted in cultural norms, systemic inefficiencies, and societal apathy. While legal and institutional reforms have been introduced over the years, the implementation of these measures remains inconsistent. Women and vulnerable groups continue to face violence at alarming rates, with little recourse to justice. […]
COP29 ends with controversy over climate finance pledges
The 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded in the early hours of November 24, 2024, after marathon negotiations stretched nearly 36 hours beyond the scheduled closure. At the heart of the extended talks was the contentious issue of climate finance, a cornerstone of the climate […]
Ms Marvel Season 1 Episode 4 – Sharmeen’s ode to Karachi
First and foremost, it is heartening and truly a proud moment to have the first Pakistani Muslim female superhero. This show is path breaking and a trailblazer in a myriad of ways. To have a Muslim girl and our culture shown in an exceedingly positive light, to observe the intricate details and nuances of Pakistani […]
From Lahore to Karachi
I shut off my laptop and exclaimed with joy ‘My ticket has been confirmed’ My friend sitting across the room peering into her phone looked up ‘It’s good that you will get to meet your family but do you really think it is safe to go to Karachi in the current situation ?’ ‘I know […]
What I learned from Europe
I had the opportunity to take a Euro tour this year. I was impressed by the law and order, infrastructure, cleanliness, ethical and moral conscientiousness prevalent in the entire region. I visited the Palace of Versailles in France which had a long, riveting and gruesome history. This Palace was built on the orders of King […]
What I learned from my trip to Europe
I had the opportunity to take a Euro tour this year. I was impressed by the law and order, infrastructure, cleanliness, ethical and moral conscientiousness prevalent in the entire region. I visited the Palace of Versailles in France, this palace has a long, riveting and gruesome history. This Palace was built on the orders of […]